Itinerary
- Day 1
Tirana to Himare
You'll meet your guide in Tirana and get oriented with trip materials including maps, GPS, and a local SIM card. From there, you're heading south toward the Albanian Riviera, passing the Vjosa River and Narta Lagoon salt pans along the way. The drive takes you through the Bay of Vlora area before you arrive in Himare, a coastal town where you'll spend the next five nights near the beach.
Included Activities
- Airport or city center pickup and materials handover
- Scenic drive through Albanian Riviera with views of Vjosa River, Narta Lagoon, and Bay of Vlora
Landmarks/POIs Vjosa River Narta Lagoon Bay of Vlora Llogara Tunnel - Day 2
Himare
Starting from Kudhes village, you'll hike through the hinterland with olive groves and terraced hillsides offering views toward Corfu. The walk takes you into the historic stone village of Qeparo with its cobblestone streets. You'll have access to several panoramic viewpoints looking out over the sea, and there's an option to continue hiking toward Borsh if you want to extend your time exploring the coastal section.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic drive to Kudhes village
- Day hike through olive groves and Mediterranean landscape to Qeparo
- Exploration of Qeparo old town with stone houses and cobbled alleyways
- Viewpoint with panoramic views over bay and groves
Optional Activities
- Extended hike from Qeparo toward Borsh along the coast
Landmarks/POIs Kudhes Qeparo Island of Corfu Borsh - Day 3
Himare
Today connects some of the Riviera's best beaches on foot. You'll start in Vuno with its distinctive white houses and Orthodox churches, then descend through olive groves to Jal Beach, which locals call the Ibiza of Albania. From there, the trail continues past Aquarium Beach with its clear waters and Livadhi Beach with its red earth. You can take a swimming break, walk through old Himara's medieval-looking streets, or head straight back to where you're staying.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- 30-minute drive to Vuno village
- Exploration of Vuno with Orthodox churches and partisan memorial
- Coastal hike through olive groves to Jal Beach
- Visit to Aquarium Beach (accessible by foot only)
- Hike through red earth to Livadhi Beach
- Optional exploration of old Himara town
- Swimming opportunities at multiple beaches
Landmarks/POIs Vuno Jal Beach Aquarium Beach Livadhi Beach Old Himara Ionian Sea - Day 4
Himare
This hike takes you away from the coast into the southern Riviera's inland mountains. You'll climb steep shepherd's paths from Lukova with views of terraced hills dropping down to turquoise water, and there's a chance to reach Lavani peak for panoramic views. After lunch at the pass, you'll descend via gravel roads through Piqeras village, then return to Himare in the evening to enjoy the beaches and the lively pedestrian zone.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Steep shepherd's path hike from Lukova with terraced hill views
- Ridge walk with panoramic views of Corfu and Riviera hinterland
- Descent via gravel road through Piqeras village
- Return to Himare beaches and pedestrian zone
Optional Activities
- Unmarked path ascent to Lavani peak summit for expanded views
Landmarks/POIs Lukova Lavani Peak Piqeras - Day 5
Himare
You're walking a leisurely route with endless olive terraces and beaches. Starting from Lukove with its old town streets and waterfall, you'll move through terraced olive groves that were all built by hand, then descend to Bunec Beach where it's quieter and more secluded. After that, the path climbs again through Mediterranean hills toward Borsh Beach. You'll have time for a final swim and photos before heading back to Himare for your last night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Exploration of Lukove old town with flowers and waterfall
- Hike through terraced olive groves
- Beach walk at Bunec Beach
- Climb through Mediterranean hills to Borsh Beach
- Swimming at Borsh Beach
- Return transfer to Himare
Landmarks/POIs Lukove Bunec Beach Borsh Beach - Day 6
Llogara National Park
Your driver takes you to the Llogara Pass at over 1,000 m, and from there you hike at a relaxed pace toward radio towers on the ridge where you can see both the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Gjipali peak at 1,446 m is an option if you want to push higher for even more coastal views. You'll descend through an ancient forest with 500-year-old black pines that feels almost rainforest-like, and you'll sleep at a mountain inn within the national park.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transfer to Llogara Pass (1,043 m)
- Leisurely gravel path hike to radio towers on ridge
- Descent through ancient forest with 500-year-old black pines
- Accommodation at mountain inn in Llogara National Park
Optional Activities
- Ascent to Gjipali peak (1,446 m) for picnic and panoramic coastal views
- Alternative: Skip the most challenging hike and spend the day in Himare with late afternoon transfer to mountain inn
Landmarks/POIs Llogara Pass Gjipali Peak Karaburun Peninsula Llogara National Park Ionian Sea Adriatic Sea Bay of Vlora - Day 7
Llogara to Tirana
Your final hike starts at the Llogara Pass (1,043 m) on a narrow, steep path with ancient snakeskin pines, camomile, and sage surrounding you. You'll climb to the Dhjopuri saddle at 1,600 m where the views back toward the Llogara Pass and valley are worth a picnic stop. After descending to a pub with a beer garden, you'll transfer to Tirana, arriving late afternoon. If you want more time in the capital, ask about a morning transfer instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transfer to Llogara Pass starting point
- Final mountain hike past snakeskin pines to Dhjopuri saddle
- Vantage point views of Llogara Pass and surrounding valleys
- Descent to pub with beer garden
- Transfer to Tirana
Landmarks/POIs Llogara Pass Qorre Peak Dhjopuri Saddle Dukat - Day 8
Tirana
Your last morning involves exploring Tirana's neighborhoods and sites. Check out the New Bazaar for edible souvenirs, or visit communist history museums like Bunkart 2 or The House of Leaves. Walk around Skanderbeg Square and the boulevard to see the mix of Ottoman and modern architecture. The nightlife district of Blloku and the green city park are also worth seeing before your 30-minute transfer to the airport.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Self-guided exploration of Tirana's highlights
- Visit to New Bazaar
- Walk through Skanderbeg Square and boulevard
- Exploration of fortress pedestrian zone
- Access to Blloku nightlife district
- Visit to green city park
- 30-minute transfer to airport
Optional Activities
- Museum visit to Bunkart 2 (communist history)
- Museum visit to The House of Leaves (communist history)
Landmarks/POIs Skanderbeg Square New Bazaar Bunkart 2 The House of Leaves Blloku
